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At a New York premiere this week, Morena Baccarin surprised fans by admitting she never watched the teen drama that made her husband famous. Her comments sparked fresh interest in the actor couple and put a spotlight on Baccarin’s own career and new film work.
How Morena Baccarin and Ben McKenzie connected — beyond The O.C.
Baccarin met Ben McKenzie on the set of Gotham in 2014. Their romance developed quietly after that.
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- Met on set: Both actors were working in TV when they first met.
- Engaged and married: They welcomed a daughter in 2016 and married in 2017.
- Growing family: Their son arrived in 2021.
Baccarin told reporters she was drawn to McKenzie for who he is, not for his role as Ryan Atwood on The O.C. She insisted she wasn’t a “groupie” of the show.
Reaction to The O.C. revival and pop-culture buzz
Even though she hadn’t watched the original series, Baccarin acknowledged the current surge in interest. She described the renewed attention as entertaining and surprising.
Fans of The O.C. have been revisiting the show online and in conversations. Baccarin called the resurgence “fun” and said she’s happy to see the buzz around McKenzie’s early role.
New projects: The Wrecking Crew and working with action stars
Baccarin is starring in The Wrecking Crew, a new action drama that pairs Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as estranged half-brothers.
On-set chemistry and memorable moments
She praised her co-stars for their warmth and professionalism. Despite their imposing size, she described both actors as surprisingly gentle.
- She enjoyed long, comedic scenes filmed in a car.
- She highlighted the teamwork and camaraderie during intense sequences.
The Wrecking Crew will put Baccarin in a high-energy ensemble, showing a different side of her career beyond TV dramas like Homeland.
Family life and previous relationships
Baccarin balances a busy career with parenting.
- Frances — daughter with Ben McKenzie, born 2016.
- Arthur — son with Ben McKenzie, born 2021.
- Julius — son from her earlier marriage to Austin Chick.
She and McKenzie have kept much of their private life out of the spotlight, while occasionally sharing updates at public events.
Public appearances and media moments that stood out
Her candid remark at the New York premiere made headlines. Interviewers noted the irony of McKenzie’s fame from The O.C. and Baccarin’s unfamiliarity with the show.
Still, Baccarin’s frankness and good humor won praise. She spoke warmly about her family and expressed enthusiasm for her upcoming film work.
